The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

UltraViolet Criticizes Republicans in Congress for Party's Extremist Anti-Abortion Agenda

Ultraviolet slams Rep. Kevin McCarthy for avoidance of abortion at press conference detailing GOP’s political agenda ahead of midterm elections

WASHINGTON

Earlier today, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) held a press conference describing the Republican party's priorities ahead of the midterm elections. While McCarthy did not disclose Republican plans pertaining to abortion ban legislation, he openly promotes a national abortion ban in the "government accountability" section of his website.

In response, Shaunna Thomas, executive director of UltraViolet, a national gender justice advocacy group, issued the following statement:

"Rep. McCarthy avoided mentioning abortion during his press conference today -- and for good reason. Rep. McCarthy and the GOP know that their goal to ban abortion is wildly unpopular and out of touch with the American electorate on both sides of the political spectrum.

"As midterm elections approach, we're seeing more and more GOP candidates sheepishly sweep their extremist views on abortion under the rug. Their agenda has always been clear, though: ban abortion in every single state. And they're not stopping there. Republicans are also clear about their intentions to cut social security and block an assault weapons ban. At this point, we know exactly what to expect from the GOP and should not be surprised by their dangerous, extremist policies.

"If the proposed national abortion ban in the Senate indicates anything, it's that Republicans in Congress will stop at nothing to control our bodies and healthcare decisions.

"The GOP's main political strategy is staying in power by waging war on women and families, denying our rights and dismantling our democracy in the process. Republicans see the power of women, especially women of color, Black women, and Indigenous women, and are doing everything in their power to stop us from organizing, mobilizing and voting against their platform.

"We are fighting back with the majority of Americans who want to protect our freedoms and investments in our communities that allow everyone to thrive. Republicans are the nation's biggest threat to building this better, safer, and healthier way of life."

UltraViolet is a powerful and rapidly growing community of people mobilized to fight sexism and create a more inclusive world that accurately represents all women, from politics and government to media and pop culture.